The perfect crew — All of our tutors and instructors are experts in the fields in which they teach! Like our clients, they have been students themselves, know what it takes to succeed, and have been culled from top undergraduate and graduate programs. Each instructor is hand-picked for his or her ability to convey complex concepts in a straightforward and easy to comprehend fashion. They are then mentored in our highly effective tutoring methodology. Most instructors are already tutors or have been actively involved as TAs, classroom teachers, and research assistants. They therefore relate to students very well. While all of our tutors have top scores on tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CBEST, LSAT and MCAT, and come from some of the best schools in the country, most importantly, they can teach and mentor others in how to succeed!!  Here is a sample of a few of their profiles...

Ian Young, Director and Head Tutor

Learning Shack Director, Ian Young teaches over 15 subjects, both individual and group classes, and has tutored thousands of K-12, university, graduate school, and adult students to help them achieve their academic and professional goals. A teacher and educator with over 20 years of experience, Ian founded The Learning Shack in late 2002 after working in finance and spending two years teaching SAT and GMAT Test Preparation classes at The Princeton Review, where he recognized a pocket of opportunity for individual and small group work. Finishing in the top of his class at Corona del Mar High School, Mr. Young earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Literature (minor in chemistry) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and later an MBA with a specialization in entrepreneurship and strategy from the University of Southern California (USC Marshall). With any remaining free time, Ian enjoys relaxing with his family, playing and guitar and writing music, watching sports, racing cars, trading and analyzing futures markets, and traveling the world.

Gail Felner Young, Reading Specialist and Reading Tutor Emeritus

Gail Young has a wealth of experience, from having taught elementary school in New York City to children who spoke minimal English, to eventually teaching reading at Harbor View Elementary School. Gail wrote the reading program at Orange Coast College, and taught at Cal State Fullerton in the master’s teaching program that instructs teachers. Her expertise is tutoring students who have learning disabilities such as dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD, as well as teaching young children how to read. In her free time she enjoys playing with her grandchildren and animals, doing yoga and meditation, and living a healthy life.

Michael Lee, Science and Math Tutor

Michael is a microbiology student at UC Irvine, and formerly a mechanical engineering major. He has a wide background across biology, physics, and chemistry. He's passionate about inspiring students to pursue a variety of disciplines in STEM.

Tyler Smith, Former Physics and Math Tutor

Tyler earned his B.S. in physics at the University of California, Riverside and is currently pursuing a PhD in Astroparticle theory at the University of California, Irvine. With five years of experience tutoring high school and college-level physics and math, he is passionate about sharing knowledge and inspiring future scientists. Outside of academia he is a dedicated father who enjoys beach and pool days with his daughters. He also finds balance in life through interests in weightlifting, playing music, and consuming sci-fi literature. His journey in physics is marked by a love for learning and teaching, which he enjoys sharing with the world. 

Francisco Mercado, Former Physics and Math Tutor

Francisco Mercado earned his B.S. in Physics from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and recently graduated from the Physics Ph.D. program at UC Irvine. Francisco has experience tutoring high school and undergraduate level Physics and Calculus and has served as a TA for several Physics courses at UCI. Teaching has become one of Francisco's passions and his experience as a teacher has solidified his goal of becoming a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at a 4-year university. When he isn't teaching or TA-ing Francisco spends most of his time studying the formation of galaxies using computer simulations.

Erin Bowen, Former Math Tutor

Erin Bowen graduated from Brigham Young University with a B.S. in Mathematics Education. During her studies at BYU she tutored several peers in various math classes and has experience teaching math on the Junior High level. Erin prepared students for the SAT II Math subject tests while tutoring math with The Learning Shack for over 3 years. Erin loves helping people understand math! When not teaching math, she spends her time being active by surfing, playing soccer (and any other sport!), or running.

Jim Canary, Former Chemistry Tutor

Jim Canary has tremendous experience as a teacher, manager, and student mentor. After graduating with a BS in Chemistry, Mr. Canary entered the aerospace industry, where he worked as an engineer. Several years later, Jim completed his MA in Educational Technology, initiating a long and successful teaching career at the junior high and high school level. A chemistry teacher and later head of the science department at Corona del Mar High School from 1980-2005, Jim Canary taught and mentored fortunate students and budding minds, such as Ian Young. Currently retired, Mr. Canary was generous to offer his time and energy to improve the lives and grades of students in the sciences through The Learning Shack program. We were very pleased to have him whenever possible!